Richard Mennear

Arsenal proved to have too much for a dogged Sunderland side at the Emirates Stadium.

The Black Cats were more than a match in the Premier League clash but Arsenal's quality shone through in the end.

Who scooped the man of the match gong for Sunderland though? Richard Mennear gives his ratings below:

Sunderland (4-5-1):

Costel Pantilimon: 7 Came charging out for the goal but Campbell slipped it underneath him. Routine saves aside from that.

DeAndre Yedlin: 7. Did well down the right-hand side. Played deeper than against Stoke City, still offered attacking threat through. Cleared one off the line second half.

Sebastian Coates: 6. Steady from Coates, made several interceptions. Almost got caught out when he went on a mazy run but Arsenal couldn't make most of him losing possession.

John O'Shea: 6. Sunderland's organisation again impressed at the Emirates in the first half and O'Shea's role was key. Arsenal's quality shone through in the end.

Younes Kaboul: 6. Giroud stole a march on him for the hosts' second goal of the afternoon. Impressed aside from that.

Patrick van Aanholt: 7. Another impressive display from the Dutchman. Far more comfortable at wing-back. Growing confidence. Missed a good chance late on though.

Yann M'Vila: 7. MOM. Kept things nice and simple in the middle of the pitch, decent delivery from corners. Sunderland almost scored from one second half. Great ball over the top to Watmore, but forward couldn't capitalise.

Ola Toivonen: 7. Was excellent for Sunderland. His best performance to date under Allardyce. Played some great balls when Sunderland attacked. Tired and went off.

Duncan Watmore: 7. Impressed on his second Premier League start, great energy to push Sunderland further up the pitch. Missed a good opening second half though.

Fabio Borini: 5. Can't miss chances like the early one Borini squandered. Lost possession too easily and almost gifted Arsenal another goal before the break.

Steven Fletcher. 7. Was in the wars at the Emirates, almost scored too, second half effort cleared off the line. Impressed up front.

Subs:

Jack Rodwell (for Toivonen, 62): 6. Came on just before Arsenal took the lead again. Nice through ball to Van Aanholt late on but he couldn't take advantage.